http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/21109 Recent articles about Travis Blackley en-us On Sunday night, Iron Pigs starter Les Walrond made history. The left-hander became the first pitcher in Lehigh Valley's history to throw a complete game as the Iron Pigs beat the Louisville Bats 4-3. What's more impressive is Walrond struck out 17, an International League season-high, and Iron Pigs team record. With all the talk of the issues with the Phillies rotation, and who at Triple A might get the call to Philadelphia, Walrond is never a name you hear mentioned. You hear J.A. Happ, Travis Blackley, even Brian Mazzone, but no Walrond. It begs the question, who is Les Walrond? Walrond was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 13th round of the 1998 draft. After spending five seasons in the Cardinals farm system where he went 31-35, Walrond was claimed by the Kansas City Royals. In late 2003, Walrond made his debut with the Royals, and appeared in 7 games, going 0-2 with a 10.19 ERA. The following season he spent in the Royals system, then was signed by the Marlins in 2004. In 2006 he made it again to the majors, this time with the Cubs. In 10 appearances Walrond went 0-1 with a 6.23 ERA. After spending the entire 2007 campaign at Iowa (the Cubs AAA affiliate), where he went 11-5, Walrond began the 2008 season back at Iowa, but was claimed off waivers by the Phillies this May. Now 31, Walrond is still trying to make it to the major leagues. He's 3-7 on the season with a 3.44 ERA. With all the chaos in the Phillies rotation is there a chance he gets a shot? It's probably a long one. Given his age, the Phillies would probably bring up a prospect before handing the ball to a journeyman. Walrond is in a similar position that catcher Chris Coste was. When you're in the minor for such a long time and are no longer considered a prospect, the odds of you getting a shot are remote. Regardless, if Walrond continues to post 17 strikeout performances, he'll begin to turn some heads, even if it's not with the Phillies. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:19:49 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287168 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287168 Just hours after Brett Myers agreed to be assigned to Triple A, and the Phillies recalled reliever Robert Swindle. Swindle has had a strong season in the minors this year, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.35 ERA in 29 appearances between Reading and Lehigh Valley. Ideally used as a lefty-specialist, Swindle has held left-handed batters to a lean .129 batting average. He also has excellent control, walking only six while striking out 48 in 40 innings. Before Phillies fans start panicking and think management is pulling Chad Durbin out of the bullpen to start on Saturday against the Mets, Swindle is just a temporary call-up to fill a bullpen hole. Clay Condrey is not with the team as his wife gave birth to their child. Condrey is scheduled to meet the Phillies in Atlanta on Thursday, but Swindle will not be sent back to Lehigh Valley until Saturday morning. There is still no word on who will be starting on Saturday against the Mets. Rumors have circulated it will be JA Happ or highly-touted prospect Carlos Carrasco. Happ has a decent shot of getting the call, but not Carrasco. Management has said a few times they have no plans of using him this season, and honestly, I'm not sure if he's ready to face major league hitters yet. My guess? Happ, Brian Mazone, or Travis Blackley. We should find out more information today. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:40:40 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284970 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284970 The Phillies farm system is starting to blossom. Who's going to be the next Cole Hamels, and who's going to be sent packing for a late season acquisition? Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:00:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/281625 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/281625 The Phillies officially named Adam Eaton their fifth starter today. Are you surprised? I'm not , I wouldn't have been surprised either way to tell you the truth. Now, we all know Eaton certainly didn't win the job, but didn't he lose it? It was his job to start with correct? And they always say in sports, "it's his job to lose." So the Phils are saying he didn't lose it? Listen, I know the Durbin twins, and Travis Blackley didn't pitch all that well either, but they all (with the exception of J.D) pitched better, in my mind, then Eaton. Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:52:33 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/223635 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/223635 *J. D. Durbin waived: Looks like the Phillies finally got fed up with J.D. Durbin's 12.33 spring ERA, because they placed him on waivers today. This move was a long time coming given how terrible he has looked this spring. *Travis Blackley clears waivers: On Tuesday, Travis Blackley was placed on waivers, and today we learn that he has cleared and has been outrighted to AAA Lehigh Valley. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:32:36 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/220367 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/220367 Phillies: *Another spring training gone past and yet more Rule 5 causalities for the Phils. The forever dumpster diving Pat Gillick tried to find cheap "talent" via the Rule 5 draft again this offseason, but alas Lincoln Holdzkom and Travis Blackley proved to not be talented at all, much like their counterparts Ryan Budde and Jim Ed Warden from 2007. *Lefty journeyman Vic Darensbourg and Independent Leaguer Gary Knotts were assigned to the minors. Personally I think Vic would do better than Condrey, JD Durbin, or whatever trash Gillick plugs into the final bullpen spot, but I suppose he'll have to prove himself as an Iron Pig first. *Youngsters having a go of it this spring- toolsy outfielder and 2004 1st round pick Greg Golson posting a .429 average and a 1.143 OPS. Shortstop Jason Donald with 7 at bats, 2 homeruns, 6 rbi...not too shabby. Rising pitching prospect Drew Carpenter 4 shut outs innings against the Yankees yesterday. *Chris Snelling (out of options) and Wes Helms (out of talent) are still battling for a roster spot. Right now the roster looks to be set with positional players: C- Ruiz, Coste, 1B- Howard, 2B- Utley, SS- Rollins, 3B- Feliz, UTL- Bruntlett, Dobbs, and, OF- Burrell, Victorino, Jenkins, Werth, Taguchi. I don't quite understand carrying either of these guys on the roster, especially not in the case of giving up a 12th pitcher. *Speaking of 12th pitcher, here's the staff right now: starting rotation- Myers, Hamels, Moyer, Kendrick, Eaton, and relievers- Romero, Gordon, Madson, Condrey, Chad Durbin, and JD Durbin. That's correct, that bloody wanker JD Durbin looks to be heading north with the club, that same JD Durbin of 4 losses, 8 homeruns surrendered, and a 12.33 era this spring. Gillick WTF?!?!?!? *There are rumors swirling that Patty G could make a last minute move and swap Wes Helms to the Giants for lefty Steve Kline or to the Reds for lefty Mike Stanton. Waiver wire possibilities include lefties Aaron Fultz and Tim Byrdak and righty Rudy Seanez. Personally I'd take any of them over JD Durbin. ____________________________________ Pirates: *Reliever Tyler Yates was acquired from the Braves for minor leaguer Todd Redmond. Redmond will likely become a 20 game winner for the Braves in the future, while Yates will continue to suck despite the change of atmosphere. *Apparently Tyler Yates is God's gift to the pitching kingdom, because following the trade pitchers Juan Perez and Byung-Hyun Kim were both released with Jaret Wright being reassigned to the minors. *All of America was gravely concerned with the battle for PNC centerfield, and the winner has been named Nate McLouth. Nice try Nyjer Morgan, but McLouth has potential McDonald's advertising campaign written all over him shall he become a star. *Masumi Kuwata, a Japanese import last season, decided to hang up his cleats and call it a career. No offense to him, but the Pirates won't be missing him. *What does every low-budget team need in order to rise out of the ashes like the phoenix? A can't miss pitching prospect. No! A slugging position player who can put the offense on his back and carry the team. No! A light-hitting glove-sturdy firstbaseman. Hell Yes! Doug Mientkiewicz has officially made the Pirates squad...please hold your applause. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 05:47:12 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/219941 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/219941 The Phillies made three more player moves today, cutting their camp roster down to 27 players. Pitcher Travis Blackley, a Rule 5 pick, was placed on waivers. Vic Darensbourg and Gary Knotts, a pair of journeymen relievers, were reassigned to the minor league camp. None of these moves comes as a surprise, although there had been some rumblings at Beerleaguer.com that Darensbourg was deserving of a roster spot. Blackley has done nothing to prove he belongs in the majors, with a 7.27 ERA and a WHIP of 1.73 this spring. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:34:47 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/217814 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/217814 Phillies: *Francisco Rosario (out of options) has been placed on the DL to begin the season and is officially out of the running for one of the remaining bullpen spots. Fat Mike Zagurski and Scott Mathieson who are still mending from '07 injuries have also been shelved. *Kris Benson hasn't been DL'd yet, but that's not really necessary because of his minor league contract status. He won't be MLB ready until May at the earliest, and is still working his arm and body back into game shape. He missed his last scheduled appearance and appears to be missing today's as well. C'mon Anna, put down your marmosets and give your man some McLovin. *Rule 5'er Travis Blackley, non-roster invitees Vic Darensbourg and Gary Knotts, and Clay Condrey (out of options) are still vying for the coveted spot in the Phils 'pen. I believe Condrey has the inside track, but Darensbourg is a lefty and has pitched well so far this spring. *After having their punk card publicly pulled by the renowned players' manager Charlie Manuel earlier this spring, the starting pitching has responded well. Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, Kyle Kendrick, and even Adam Eaton have turned in quality outings. Yesterday Chad Durbin (destined for long relief) pitched 3 perfect innings against a Detroit Tigers lineup mostly composed of regulars. Pirates: *Centerfield is still up for grabs between Nate McLouth and Nyjer Morgan. Based on spring stats alone McLouth should be the starter (OPS: McLouth 1.084, Morgan .533). Then take into account that McLouth has experienced some success at the Big League level while Morgan is still wet behind the ears. *It seems that glovesman Doug Bat-Mientkiewicz will make the squad. Not sure why the Buccos need a no-hit all-field backup first baseman, but then again I don't understand most the moves this organization makes. *An example of a move I don't understand- prospect slugger Steve Pearce, he of 4 spring longballs, is most likely ticketed for Triple A...why? *Like the Phillies, the Pirates starting pitching has been a bit rough around the edges this spring with Matt Morris, Tom Gorzelanny, and Paul Maholm all pitching poorly. Ian Snell and Zach Duke have done well though. Also, minor league signings Jaret Wright and Hector Carrasco are improving their chances of being added to the 25-man roster. Sun, 23 Mar 2008 06:48:42 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/215428 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/215428 *Grand Pappy Moyer has been named the #3 starter, meaning Kyle Kendrick will slot into the 4th spot with Brett Myers already claiming ownership of #1 and Cole Hamels playing bridesmaid. Since when did naming the #3 starter become such a big deal? I understand the hoopla surrounding the #1 starter because he gets to open the season, but after that so what? Who will land the coveted 5th spot...well, I can assure you it won't be Johan Santana. *Rule 5 pick Lincoln Holdzkom has been granted free agency. He was offered back to the BoSox, but they didn't have room on the 40 man roster for him, so he becomes a free agent. Reports have him signing a minor league deal with Philly and going to the minors. *Brad Lidge must have visited a witch doctor or faith healer because he'll soon be ready for game action and may just yet be ready for Opening Day after all. *Phillies spring record: 4-10, sounds eerily similar to past April starts. Some disheartening spring era's: JD Durbin 9.64, Travis Blackley 8.22, Kyle Kendrick 16.43, Joshua Outman 9.45, Carlos Carrasco 9.45, Chad Durbin 7.20, Cole Hamels 12.60, Adam Eaton 15.75, Tom Gordon 13.50, Joe Savery 10.80, John Ennis 27.00, and JC Romero 9.00. Most of us knew pitching was going to be a struggle, but thought our prolific offense would carry us...not so much so far. Abysmal spring averages: Geoff Jenkins .171, Jimmy Rollins .133, Pat Burrell .214, Chase Utley .214, Wes Helms .217, Jayson Werth .190, Ray Olmedo .125, Chris Coste .200, Jason Jaramillo .083, TJ Bohn .111, Brad Harman .167, and Matt Cervenak .000. Come Opening Day all of these crap-o-rific stats are erased, but I must admit the Phils "success" in past Aprils doesn't lead me to believe that these stats are a fluke altogether either. Thu, 13 Mar 2008 06:11:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/195498 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/195498 The theme for Spring Training in Major League Baseball for all 30 teams, number one, is to simply stay healthy. So far the Phils have faired pretty well as the injury bug has stayed away for the most part. With the exception of starting pitcher Adam Eaton who is suffering from some back issues on top of his high ERA this spring. Ask most Phillies fans and they would hope Eaton is hurt bad enough to never start another game in Phils pinstripes. As one of the only things more unpopular then Eaton in the city of Brotherly Love is the unfortunate inner city violence lately. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:58:51 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/194537 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/194537 Things were quiet from Phillies camp yesterday as they relaxed on an off day. They did make one minor move, taking Rule 5 draftee Lincoln Holdzkom off their 40 man roster, making him a free agent. Since he was taken in the Rule 5 draft, the Phillies had to offer him back to his original team, the Red Sox, who refused Holdzkom, making him free to sign with any team. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:05:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/194064 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/194064 Yesterday I wrote a piece about Adam Eaton and his struggles this spring. Eaton is the leading candidate for the 5th starter spot, but with the terrible spring he is having, he is losing his grip on the spot. Too bad there isn't anyone stepping up to take it away from him. Here are the Spring Training statistics so far for all of the 5th starter candidates: Travis Blackley: 4.2 IP, 5 K's, 4 BB, 5 ER, 9.64 ERA Chad Durbin: 5.0 IP, 5 K's, 0 BB, 4 ER, 7.20 ERA J.D. Durbin: 6.0 IP, 3 K's, 3 BB, 5 ER, 7.50 ERA Adam Eaton: 4.0 IP, 2 K's, 0 BB, 7 ER, 15.75 ERA Sat, 08 Mar 2008 17:14:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/186107 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/186107 The Phillies really screwed up with Adam Eaton. He's in the second year of his 3 year contract worth 24.5 million dollars, and he stinks. Because of his huge contract, Eaton is the front runner for the Phils number 5 spot in the rotation, despite having an ERA of 15.75 in two spring appearances. Now he is using the lame excuse that he has a bad back that has been affecting his performance since July. So what are the Phillies supposed to do? Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:46:51 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/185707 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/185707 With phenomenal 1st base coach Davey Lopes out because of prostate cancer surgery the Phils have turned to former outfielder Jerry Martin to fill the void (guess Vic and J-Roll are temporarily Jerry's Kids). Hopefully Lopes heals quickly and returns to the diamond because he did a tremendous job working with Phillies baserunners last season. However, Jerry may have some tricks up his sleeve too, or possibly cocaine. See, Martin was busted with his Kansas City Royals teammates Vida Blue, Willie Wilson, and Willie Aikens (Clay's dad) back in October of 1983 for possession of the "nose candy" and actually served a 90 day jail sentence while being suspended for part of the '84 season. Naturally this is the go to guy in Lopes' absence, as he can slip some of the powder to the runners to help them get a better jump...pure genius! The Phils aren't the only ones to employ this strategy, why else do you think the Mets brought Darryl Strawberry back. And this goes back to the age old question- what are the baselines really lined with? Jerry is the son of former Reds pitcher Barney Martin, although Barney only pitched in 1 game for 2 innings (that's not even a cup of coffee, that's an espresso) back in 1953. Back to Jerry, he was signed as an amateur free agent in 1971 by the Phillies and played outfield for them from 1974-78. He later went on to Chicago with the Cubs, San Fran, Kansas City, and New York with the Mets. All in all, 11 seasons in the majors accumulating 666 hits (evil!) for a .251 average but nothing really spectacular besides his ability to snort coke. Carry on my wayward son, there'll be peace when you are done! __________________________________ Spring Hits: *The competition for the 5th spot in the rotation is fierce. Adam Eaton is doing his best to make sure he's not the man chosen pacing the Grapefruit League with a tidy 15.75 era. Dos Durbins aren't picking up the slack either, JD- 7.50 and Chad- 7.20; we're in trouble! Then there is the Aussie Rule V pick Travis Blackley who has yet to allow a run, but I'm quick to remind myself it is only spring training after all. Eaton has yet another excuse for his lovely performance- back pain...more like pain in my ass! *Besides Blackley, there are some other Phillies chuckin' well down in Florida: Jamie Moyer, Brett Myers, Carlos Carrasco, Joe Bisenius, and Francisco Rosario. All probably figure into the Phils plans sometime during the '08 season. *The .400+ batting average club: Ryan Howard, Eric Bruntlett, Carlos Ruiz, Greg Golson, and Casey Smith. Some of these guys don't even matter, so don't get too excited. *The sub .200 batting average club: Jimmy Rollins, Jayson Werth, Jason Jaramillo, Ray Olmedo, Pete LaForest, Pat Burrell, TJ Bohn, and Valentino Pascucci. Some of those guys are regulars and better get the motors running. Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:05:11 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/184190 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/184190 In the spirit of past WSBGM's song parodies, I bring to you my rendition of Pearl Jam's Better Man inspired by the uninspiring competition for the 5th spot in the Phillies rotation. Waiting, watching the game, It's the 4th inning, it's got to stop, Tell him, take no more, Manuel practices his speech As he approaches the mound, he thinks it over. Pretends to take the ball as he looks him over. Manuel lies and says he's alright with him, Can't find a better man. Phans dream in color, Phans dreams in red, Upset we can't find a better man. Can't find a better man. Ohh... Talking to himself, there's no one else who can pitch now, He tells himself, oh... Memories back when the rotation was bold and strong, And waiting for the league to come along. Swears he knew it was so, but now he swears it gone. He lies and says he's okay with him, Can't find a better man. Phans curse in color, Phans are seeing in red, Pissed Gillick can't find a better man. Can't find a better man! Yeah... We boo him, yeah...but he don't want to leave this way. We need him, yeah...that's why he'll be back again. Can't find a better man. Eaton ain't a better man, Dos Durbins aren't better men, Blackley ain't a better man, Can't find a better man, Kris Benson is injured and, We need a crafty veteran, Or an equivalent to Johan Santana-an, Kyle Lohse ain't the answer man, Where is a better man?! Ugh... Thu, 06 Mar 2008 06:55:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/182708 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/182708